Soup Season Has Arrived at the Farm! Featuring Denise’s Gumbo Recipe

As the days grow shorter and the air becomes crisp, there’s nothing more comforting than the arrival of soup season at the farm. It’s that time of year when hearty meals take center stage, and one of our absolute favorites is Denise’s Gumbo. Packed with rich flavors, fresh vegetables, and tender proteins, it’s the perfect dish to warm you up and keep you satisfied.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this gumbo will bring the taste of the farm to your table.

Why Denise’s Gumbo is Perfect for Fall

At the farm, we love meals that are both nourishing and full of flavor. Denise’s Gumbo embodies all of that and more. It’s a delightful mix of chicken, shrimp, sausage, and vegetables, all simmered together in a rich, savory broth. Here’s why we think it’s the ideal dish for this season:

• Farm-Fresh Ingredients: The gumbo uses fresh okra, bell peppers, and onions—taking advantage of the bounty of fall produce.

• Hearty and Satisfying: With a mix of shrimp, sausage, and chicken, this gumbo is both filling and packed with protein.

• Warm Spices: The gentle heat from cayenne pepper and hot sauce gives it a warming, comforting kick.

Denise’s Gumbo Recipe

Servings: 6-8 | Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 bell pepper, chopped

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

• 1 tbsp poultry seasoning

• 2 bay leaves

• 6 cups chicken broth

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 (15 oz) can of crushed tomatoes

• 2 tbsp hot sauce

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 bunch green onions, chopped

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

• Cooked white rice, for serving

• 2 cans of fire-roasted tomatoes

• 4 tbsp butter

• 12 oz frozen or fresh okra

Instructions:

1. In a large, heavy pot, heat the vegetable oil and 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the sausage and chicken, then season with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes, until the chicken is browned and the sausage is rendered. Remove from the pot, leaving the juices.

2. Add the remaining 2 tbsp butter to the pot. Stir in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery, cooking until softened. Add the garlic and bay leaves, cooking for another minute.

3. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 3-5 minutes until lightly browned. Add the hot sauce.

4. Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the diced and crushed tomatoes.

5. Slowly add the remaining chicken broth, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

6. Add the okra, and return the sausage and chicken to the pot. Let the gumbo simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. Add the shrimp, and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the shrimp is fully cooked.

8. Remove from heat, discard the bay leaves, and stir in the green onions and parsley.

9. Serve the gumbo hot over cooked rice and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can make the roux as dark as you like for a deeper, richer flavor. Just be sure to stir constantly to avoid burning.

• For a spicier gumbo, feel free to add more hot sauce or cayenne pepper to taste.

Farm-Fresh Cooking at Its Best

Denise’s Gumbo brings the soul-warming flavors of the farm to your kitchen. With its bold spices, fresh ingredients, and hearty texture, it’s the perfect meal to enjoy during soup season. Whether you’re gathered around the table with family or cozying up on the couch, a big bowl of this gumbo will leave you feeling satisfied and comforted.

Try it at home, and let us know how you make it your own!